ICT Integration in Teaching in Secondary Schools in Embu County: Benefits and Challenges Realized

Abstract

In the spirit of digitalizing learning, schools in Kenya have adopted the use of various technologies. This study concentrates on finding out the benefits and challenges arising from ICT integration in teaching and learning. It will take place in secondary schools within in Embu County, Kenya. The following were the study objectives: to examine the availability of ICT resources in the schools, to determine the accessibility of ICT infrastructures in secondary schools in Embu County, Kenya, to investigate the impact of integration of ICT skills on teaching and learning in secondary schools in Embu County, Kenya and finally to establish the impact of adoption of ICT by the school administration on the school management. While adopting a descriptive research design and quantitative methodology, the study was guided by technology acceptance theory. Simple random sampling was used to select 30 secondary schools for the study from 143 secondary schools located within Embu County. Three target groups were identified, namely head teachers, teachers and students. Respondents were selected from each group through purposive sampling, 30 head teachers, 150 teachers and 150 students were selected to participate in this study. The study collected data using questionnaires. The data obtained from the study was analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques which included percentages, frequencies and mean and the presentation of data done using frequency distribution tables. The study observed that most of the secondary schools in Embu County had necessary technologies for use in teaching and learning. The teachers had also received training on ICT integration hence they were competent in their teaching activities. The conclusions were that the availability, accessibility and users’ ICT skills caused problems and benefits as well in the process of digitalizing learning in the county. It recommended that the government, parents and the private sector should increase their support and keep funding the schools in order to ensure sufficient ICT resources are available. The study was helpful to the Education stakeholders in Embu County.